31 90 ... Troubleshooting on Front Axle (AWD)

2013 Mini Cooper Countryman, Standard TransSECTION 31 90 ... Troubleshooting on Front Axle (AWD)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 335xi, 2008 BMW 328xi, 2007 BMW 335xi, 2007 BMW 328xi, and 2006 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Follow troubleshooting for steering/shock absorbers. See 32 90 ... TROUBLESHOOTING ON STEERING .

TROUBLESHOOTING ON FRONT AXLE (AWD)

Fault Cause Remedy
Grinding noise (louder when negotiating bends) Wheel bearings faulty Replace wheel bearings . See 31 21 180 Replacing Bearing for Front Wheel (AWD) 
Vibration Wheel imbalance Balance wheels . See 36 10 508 STATIONARY WHEEL BALANCING
Radial/lateral rim runout Check rims . See 36 10 715 CHECKING RIM FOR FACE AND RADIAL RUNOUT , replace if necessary
Radial tire runout Match or replace tires . See 36 12 001 REPLACING A TYRE
Steering-wheel shake Wheel imbalance Balance wheels . See 36 10 508 STATIONARY WHEEL BALANCING
Radial/lateral rim runout Check rims . See 36 10 715 CHECKING RIM FOR FACE AND RADIAL RUNOUT , replace if necessary
Ball joint (on front axle carrier side or swivel bearing side) of control arm backlash Replace control arms . See 31 12 000 Removing and Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Control Arm (AWD) 
Rubber mount of compression strut faulty Replace rubber mounts on both traction struts . See 31 12 148 Replacing Rubber Mounts on Both Compression Struts (AWD) 
Guide joint worn Replace guide joint . See 31 12 026 Removing and Installing/Replacing Guide Joint In Swivel Bearing (AWD) 
Refer to for steering . See 32 90 ... TROUBLESHOOTING ON STEERING
Excessive steering wheel play/steering wheel inclination Ball joint (on front axle carrier side or swivel bearing side) of control arm faulty Replace control arms . See 31 12 000 Removing and Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Control Arm (AWD) 
Rubber mount of compression strut faulty Replace rubber mounts on both traction struts. See 31 12 148 Replacing Rubber Mounts on Both Compression Struts (AWD) 
Guide joint worn Replace guide joint. See 31 12 026 Removing and Installing/Replacing Guide Joint In Swivel Bearing (AWD) 
Refer to 32 90 ... TROUBLESHOOTING ON STEERING for steering
Rattling noise Bolts for reinforcement plate loose Tighten down bolts (refer to 31 10 010 Removing and Installing/Replacing Reinforcement Plate (AWD) )
Bolts for front axle carrier to engine carrier loose Replace bolts (refer to 31 11 506 Lowering / Raising Front Axle Carrier (AWD)  )
Bolt for spring strut to swivel bearing loose Replace bolt & nut (refer to 31 31 041 Replacing Front Left or Right Spring Strut (AWD)  )
Ball joint (on front axle carrier side or swivel bearing side) of control arm backlash Replace control arms . See 31 12 000 Removing and Installing/Replacing Left Or Right Control Arm (AWD) 
Guide joint worn Replace guide joint . See 31 12 026 Removing and Installing/Replacing Guide Joint In Swivel Bearing (AWD) 
Rubber mounts for stabilizer bar bracket faulty Replace both rubber mounts of stabilizer bar bracket . See 31 35 021 Replacing Both Rubber Mounts of Stabilizer Mounting on Front Axle Carrier (AWD) 
Ball joints on stabilizer link(s) worn Replace both stabilizer links . See 31 35 005 Removing and Installing/Replacing Push Rod (Stabilizer Link) for Left or Right Stabilizer (AWD) 
Excessive tire wear Front or rear axle alignment incorrectly adjusted Check suspension components for damage; if necessary, carry out chassis/wheel alignment check. See 32 00 ... CHASSIS/WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK PROCEDURE
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.